Reggia di Caserta

A baroque masterpiece in Campania

About 40 kilometers north of Naples stands the Reggia di Caserta, one of the largest Baroque palaces in Europe. Built from 1751 under King Charles VII of Naples and Sicily according to the plans of the architect Luigi Vanvitelli, the palace served as the residence of the Bourbons during their rule over the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily. With 1,217 rooms and a façade oriented toward the planned city, the palace impresses with its monumental architecture. Wikipedia

The palace's interiors are richly decorated with stucco work, frescoes, sculptures, and inlaid floors. Of particular note is the Throne Room, with its ceiling fresco by Gennaro Maldarelli depicting Charles III laying the palace's foundation stone.

As well as the palace chapel, which bears a strong resemblance to the Palace Chapel of Versailles. Wikipedia

The palace park covers an area of more than 100 hectares and boasts a 3-kilometer-long viewpoint lined with water basins, fountains, and cascades. Notable fountains include the Ceres Fountain, featuring a statue of the goddess Ceres, and the Diana and Actaeon Fountain, depicting a scene from Greek mythology. Another highlight is the English Garden, created under Queen Maria Carolina and featuring exotic plants and artificial ruins. Wikipedia

The Reggia di Caserta has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 and attracts visitors from all over the world. Its impressive architecture and magnificent gardens make it an outstanding example of Baroque architecture in Italy.

A visit to the Reggia di Caserta not only offers an insight into the history of the Bourbons, but also the opportunity to experience the beauty and splendor of one of the most important castles in Europe.